Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Playboy model directs bikini contest

NILES ­— Playboy model Lisa Neeld has taken control of the annual bikini contest at the Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off and expanded it to also include a model search.

The “Hot Housewife” of Cortland says this is her first time running a bikini contest. She says she’s taken on all of the responsibilities and will also be emceeing the event. Last year she co-hosted the event with Fast Freddie from 93.3-FM The Wolf.

Neeld says this year’s event will be more organized than in past years. She says there will be three judges, and those judges will be representatives from sponsoring organizations. It will also be more tasteful than it’s been in the past, she says.

“The girls won’t be on the stage being super provocative,” Neeld says. “It’s kind of geared more toward a pageant. I’m trying to make sure it has structure and look a little more classy. It is a family event.”

There are cash prizes for first, second and third places, as well as spa packages, dinner for two, and a professional photo shoot. She says the top three will also be featured on a swimsuit poster.

You have to enter the bikini contest to win the prizes, but you can be considered for the Youngstown Hottie Search without sporting a bikini.

Billed as a separate event, Neeld says she’s trying to reach out to girls who want to model, appear in calendars and help her out during appearances.

Neeld says the idea for the Hottie Search was a spin-off of her upcoming clothing line. A few designs are currently available on her MySpace. More will be listed on http://lisaneeld.com/ in the coming weeks, she says.

Neeld says this contest is for girls who not only look good, but have great personalities.

“If you have the confidence, come on out and do it,” Neeld says. “I’m trying to hit both sides and give those girls who are maybe a little shyer a chance to do something.”

Both sets of contestants will be judged on overall appearance and personality. There is a $10 fee associated with the search, but Neeld says she’s not limiting the number of winners in this competition.

There won’t be any prizes awarded for search winners, but they will appear in the Youngstown Hottie Calendar, as well as others, she says.

Neither competition has an age limit, though you must be 18 years or older to register, and contestants are encouraged to pre-register . You may also register the day of the show. The Hottie Search will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday, with the bikini contest immediately following.

The Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off has been a summertime staple since 1985. Attempts to contact this year’s organizer were unsuccessful.

However, we have confirmed that National touring rock act Blackfoot and country star John Michael Montgomery will headline the Burn Off Friday and Saturday nights, respectively. The shows are included in the $7 daily admission. Gold Circle tickets are also available to each show for $25. Purchasing that ticket will get you in front of the stage for the performances.

Local bands slated to play the Burn Off include Metalourd, The Rage, The Huckin’ Fillbillys, The Dennis Drummond Trio, Back Alley Band, The Kellys and Acoustic Juggernaut.

Other highlights include a car show, bike show, Bates Brothers amusement rides and food vendors, including nine competitive barbecue vendors

The Burn Off begins Thursday and runs through Sunday evening. For more information, visit the Web site.